Practical Information

Venue

The IST-Africa 2011 Conference and Exhibition will take place in the Gaborone International Convention Centre, which is within the Grand Palm complex. The GICC is located about 20 minutes from Gaborone city centre and 12 kms from Gaborone airport. The address is Bonnington Farm, Molepolole Road, Gaborone

All conference delegates need to be registered and confirmed prior to the Conference.

It is necessary for all confirmed delegates to complete onsite registration to receive your name badge and conference pack. It is necessary for delegates to wear their IST-Africa 2011 name badge at all times during the conference as identification to gain access to the Conference Sessions, Exhibition, Lunch and Networking Reception.

Onsite Registration will commence from 16:00 - 18:30 on Tuesday 10 May in the Gaborone International Convention Centre. Onsite registration will remain open during normal conference hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Flights to Gaborone

The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone is located one hour by air from Johannesburg, South Africa. Air Botswana and South African Airlines have regular schedules flights to Gaborone. Delegates are advised to book flights to Botswana and accommodation as early as possible.

Travel to Gaborone by land

Gaborone is located 360 kms from Johannesburg South Africa. The nearest border crossing is Tlokweng Gate.

Transportation from Airport

The airport is situated 20 - 30 minutes drive from the GICC, depending on traffic.

Security, Health and Safety

Please wear your name badge for all IST-Africa 2011 activities, as it is your identification and allows you access to the facilities on offer. While the conference centre will not open to the general public, it is still necessary to take care of bags, personal computers and other personal belongings.

While security staff will be present at the conference venue, the organisers cannot accept any responsibility for losses incurred or for personal health and safety.

Delegates should ensure that they have personal health insurance and take due care when exploring the city of Durban. Any special needs or requirements should be notified to the Conference Secretariat as far in advance of the event as possible.

Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. While in Gaborone, delegates and accompanying persons should visit the National Museum, National Botanical Gardens, Gaborone Game Reserve, Mokoladi Nature Reserve and Mochudi.

Botswana is renowned for its flora and fauna. Other places of interest in Botswana include Okavango Delta, Chobe River and National Parks.

Climate

The climate in May is clear, warm and sunny with average temperatures of 14 - 25 degrees Celsius. It is cooler in the evening.

Currency

The currency in Botswana is Pulas (BWP). The exchange rate is quite changeable but is approximately 1 EUR = 9 Botswana Pulas.

Hotels and larger restaurants will take payment by credit card but smaller items need to be paid for in cash.

All crafts vendors and smaller shops will expect to be paid in cash.

It is a good idea to have some local currency in small denomination notes if you wish to buy crafts and pay for taxis.